Many brides choose to save about $150 by doing their own wedding makeup. DIY wedding makeup not only helps save; many brides also simply prefer doing their own bridal makeup because no one knows their face and skin better than they do, and they don’t want to take any risks on their big day.
However, if you’re a bride who’s doing her own makeup and you don’t really know that much about makeup or makeup tools, there are some basics that you should be aware of. These beauty tools will help you to look your absolute best on your wedding day.
A Good Primer
Right after you wash your face and before you start applying anything else, you need to begin with a good primer. If you’re not familiar with primer, it goes on before you apply foundation and concealer, and it’s designed to help makeup go on smoother and last longer. It also hydrates your skin, helping it to glow and look more matte, which is great for photos.
Primer also helps to combat shine, conceal fine lines, and decrease the appearance of large pores. Very helpful, right?
Your Trusty Foundation
If you love your regular foundation, trust it and use it on your wedding day. You may be tempted to try a new, more expensive brand—but chances are, your trusty foundation is the right choice.
If you’re determined to experiment, do so in advance. Don’t wait until the morning of your wedding to try a new foundation. Not only might it look bad, but your skin may also react poorly to an unfamiliar product.
Also note: if you’re getting a spray tan for your wedding, you’ll need to match your foundation with your “new” skin tone.
Highlighter, But Properly Applied
If you want a “shimmery” bridal makeup look, you may want to use a highlighter. However, it’s very important to understand how to use it, so you’ll want to test it out before your wedding day.
If your highlighter is applied to the wrong part of your face, you will end up looking sweaty or oily. Instead of putting it on your forehead or nose, apply it to the top of your cheekbones.
Powerful Makeup Setting Spray
Obviously, you’ll want your wedding makeup to look as “fresh” as possible all throughout the day and evening. One of the best methods to do this is to use setting spray, which will pretty much make your makeup invincible for about 15-18 hours.
However, when it comes to setting spray, be sure to try it out before your wedding day. You’ll need to know that you’re okay with how it feels, and you’ll need to make sure that it doesn’t irritate your skin or eyes.
Waterproof Mascara!
Even if you’re not traditionally a crier, you want to be prepared for a few tears on your wedding day—whether you’re crying tears of joy when your dad walks you down the aisle, choking up as you read your vows, or crying from laughter when you see that surprise synchronized groomsmen dance at the reception.
If you’re doing your own makeup, be sure to stock up on waterproof mascara and eyeliner so that you’ll be smudge-free even if you do tear up a little bit.
It’s very easy for waterproof mascara to slip your mind, especially if you don’t usually wear it. But on your wedding day, it’s a DIY wedding makeup necessity. Even if you’re not really much of a crier, you want to be prepared for some waterworks on your big day. Emotional tears are beautiful, but what they can do to your wedding makeup is not.
Mistake-Forgiving Q-Tips
When it comes to DIY wedding makeup, Q-Tips are your best friend. Stray lipstick liner, mascara, and eye makeup will most likely happen, and you’ll need these little guys nearby to help erase those errors.
Oil-Killing Blotting Wipes
During your wedding day, there are going to be guests and cameras every direction you turn to. Looking your best both in person and for photos is important, and that means not appearing too shiny or sweaty.
Your wedding makeup may be the farthest thing from your mind as the day goes on, so it’s wise to designate one of your sweet bridesmaids to keep an eye on your makeup.
If you start looking shiny, oil-blotting sheets will help. They are designed to remove the shine without removing your makeup. Make sure to have some on hand, as well as that helpful bridesmaid!
If you’ll be embracing DIY wedding makeup, we hope this list of tips helps you! And if you’re currently planning your wedding and you’re searching for a fabulous Los Angeles wedding venue, please check out our online photo gallery at Hollywood Banquet Hall, or contact us for more information. We have a gorgeous, upscale space for intimate weddings. We look forward to hearing from you!